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Sidari beach is renowned for its romantically named Channel of Love
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Sidari beaches
Sidari, on the Greek island of Corfu, is one of the fastest growing resorts on the island. It grew up around two villages joined by a long beach, which have merged to become one resort running 2km (1.5 miles) along the coast. Close by, the extraordinary Canal d'Amour (Channel of Love) is featured on countless postcards. Most visitors stay in self-catering apartments with outdoor pools, and there is also a selection of rather basic 2-star hotels. The busy main road running through the centre of Sidari is lined with countless bars and eateries catering for the British mass market - think pubs with big screen TV showing football and English sitcoms, pool tables, bingo and karaoke nights. According to some, Sidari has rather lost its charm due to over-development and lack of building regulations, but nonetheless it remains one of Corfu's top destinations.
Sidari has three beaches. The main beach, which has a Blue Flag for cleanliness, curves gently around a long sweeping bay and offers golden sand and warm, shallow water. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, watersports facilities including banana boats, peddle boats, canoes, waterskiing and wind surfing, plus a bouncy castle. Close by, the renowned Canal d'Amour (Channel of Love) is composed of soft, crumbly, sandstone cliffs, which have been eroded to produce extraordinary rock formations. Local myth claims that if a couple swim through the main channel together their love will be never-ending. The third and least appealing beach lies near the old fishing harbour.
Besides the beach, Sidari is home to the Corfu Diving Fun Club, which has a dive shop in the centre of town and offers scuba-diving lessons and diving trips. Other amusements include bowling and a go-cart track.
Sidari's main beach is best for kids, as the water is warm and shallow and amusements include a bouncy castle and banana boat rides. The Canal d'Amour is rather dangerous for smaller children as the paths along the cliff tops are prone to crumbling. The Hydropolis water park (in Acharavi, 12km (8 miles) east of Sidari), offers pools and slides, though it is smaller than the island's largest water park, Aqualand in Agios Ioannis on the main road to Glyfada. There is also a go-cart track in Sidari.
The island's elegant capital, Corfu Town, is stunningly beautiful with a romantic mix of Venetian, French and British architecture dating back several centuries. Daily boat trips take visitors to unspoilt beaches on the tiny islands of Erikoussa, Othonus and Mathraki, north of Sidari. Alternatively, take a day trip by boat to Albania to visit Butrint National Park with its UNESCO-protected Greek and Roman archaeological site, and the seaside resort of Saranda.
Some 3km (2 miles) west of Sidari, just after the village of Peroulades, Longas Beach (also known as Sunset Beach) is backed by dramatic, steep cliffs. On the cliff top, Panorama (www.panorama1.f9.co.uk) is a highly-regarded taverna offering stunning sea views. Come here for a sunset drink followed by a romantic dinner of fresh seafood and quality local wine.
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